Office and Desk Exercise Chair System

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus is provided having a mobile desk chair including at least one attachment point configured to permit slidable attachment and adjustment of an exercise implement. The at least one attachment point may include a track member affixed, molded to and/or contoured to the chair configuration. The track member may include a locking mechanism to enable an exercise implement to be locked thereon in desired locations along the track member during exercise.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No.11/710,066.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to exercise devices, and, moreparticularly, to a multi-configuration dual purpose exercise chairsystem for providing at least strength and flexibility training as wellas office and desk chair functionality and method for operating same.

2. Description of Related Art

There exists today a wide range of exercise devices designed for homeand/or gym use for providing resistance training of various muscles.Typically, such exercise apparatus for resistance training compriseheavy equipment such as weightlifting benches, circuit trainingmachines, and the like, situated in a stationary position and notintended to be mobile during use.

While many exercise machines may be helpful in developing overallphysical fitness in general, the positive benefits from such machinescan only be attained through their regular usage. Convenience is an oftcited factor in determining whether a user actually utilizes an exercisedevice on a consistent basis to perform the exercises. In the homeenvironment, space requirements often preclude the ability to haveexercise/strength training equipment at home. Accessing gym equipmentrequires a membership fee and additional time spent commuting to andfrom the gym.

Indeed, the majority of the day for many people is often spent in asitting position, e.g., at work in an office environment. When breaksare taken, any physical activity is often limited to mild aerobicactivity such as walking, e.g., to and from lunch, or taking the stairs.Even if a person is a member of a gym, the inconvenience of traveling,changing clothes, etc. as well as time limits on breaks during workhours and unexpected schedule changes often precludes the person fromattending the gym on a regular basis.

When a person is at home, the demands of attending to personal andfamily activities often results in the person skipping exercising due tolack of time. For many working people, free time often arises only onweekends and thus the typical working person manages to find time toexercise only on a sporadic and infrequent basis.

It is often a goal of many exercisers to incorporate resistance trainingin their workouts to improve strength and muscle development. However,strength training often requires access to specialized exercise andtraining equipment, which is often difficult to do on a consistent basisfor many people for many of the reasons mentioned above.

Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method for efficiently andeffectively providing resistance training and exercise for a user in amanner which optimizes convenience and maximizes the likelihood forregular use by a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to exercise devices, and, moreparticularly, to an isotonic exercise system incorporated into anergonomic desk or task chair for providing exercise training and stressrelief for a user with optimal convenience.

The present invention comprises a multi-purpose exercise training systemand office chair which provides comprehensive physical fitness andtherapeutic stress-relief benefits and is especially useful andconvenient for the general fitness consumer. The need for heavy anddangerous weights and space-consuming specialized equipment is avoided.For example, the present invention provides an effective and efficientexercise apparatus embodied in an ergonomic and mobile desk chairdirected towards strengthening a wide variety of muscle groups. Eachexercise may be customized to various resistance levels and may also beadapted according to the height, weight, dimensions, flexibility, etc.,of each user.

According to one embodiment, an exercise apparatus is providedcomprising a mobile task chair including a seat including at least twoarm attachment members and a back rest pivotally attached to the seat. Abase is provided connected to the seat comprising a center post and aplurality of chair supports, wherein at least one of the back rest,seat, arm attachment members and chair supports includes at least oneattachment point configured to receive an exercise implement.

According to another embodiment, a mobile exercise chair is providedcomprising a back rest pivotally attached to a seat, and a baseconnected to the seat including a plurality of chair supports, whereinat least one of the back rest and at least one of the chair supportsincludes at least one attachment point configured for removable andadjustable attachment of exercise implements.

According to yet another embodiment, a mobile exercise chair is providedcomprising a seat including at least two arm attachment members and aback rest pivotally attached to the seat. A base is provided connectedto the seat, the base including a plurality of chair supports, whereinat least one of the arm attachment members, back rest, and at least oneof the chair supports includes at least one attachment point. Anexercise implement is provided having at least one end removablyattached to at least one of the attachment points.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote similar elementsthroughout the views:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary front perspective view of an exercise chairsystem according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary rear perspective view of an exercise chair systemaccording to an aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 3 is an exemplary side view of an exercise chair system accordingto an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary front view of an exercise chair system accordingto an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary top view of an exercise chair system according toan aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary front perspective view of an exercise chair withan extended leg rest and tilted back rest according to an aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary front perspective view of an exercise chair and aresistance device according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary front perspective view of an exercise chairhaving the resistance device shown in FIG. 7 attached thereon accordingto an aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 9-15 depict exemplary methods for attachment of resistance devicesonto an exercise chair according to various aspects of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 16-18 depict exemplary methods for attachment of an alternateresistance device onto an exercise chair according to various aspects ofthe present invention;

FIG. 19 is an exemplary front perspective view of a leg piece in alocked position according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an exemplary front perspective view of an exercise chairhaving a resistance device attached to the leg piece according to anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is an exemplary front perspective view of an alternateresistance device attached onto an exercise chair according to anotheraspect of the present invention;

FIG. 22 depicts an exemplary front perspective cross-sectional view ofan alternate embodiment for providing attachment points on a chairaccording to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is an exemplary front perspective view of an exercise chairhaving a resistance device attached to a seat according to an aspect ofthe present invention;

FIG. 24 is an exemplary front perspective view of an exercise chairhaving a resistance device attached to a back rest according to anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is an exemplary enlarged view of area “All” in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an exemplary rear perspective view of the chair of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is an exemplary rear perspective view of the chair of FIG. 24having a resistance device attached thereon according to an aspect ofthe present invention;

FIG. 28 is an exemplary rear perspective view of the chair of FIG. 24having a plurality of resistance devices attached thereon according toan aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of an alternate coupling systemaccording to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view of an alternate coupling systemaccording to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of an alternate coupling membercoupled with an attachment member according to an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 32 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along lines B-B ofFIG. 31 according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a front cross-sectional view taken along lines B-2 of FIG. 31according to an aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of an alternate coupling membercoupled with an attachment member according to an aspect of the presentinvention.

It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes ofillustrating the concepts of the invention and are not necessarily theonly possible configurations for illustrating the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the Figures, FIGS. 1-6 are exemplary views of anexercise chair system 100 according to an aspect of the presentinvention. Chair 100 is comprised of a frame member 101 configured tosupport (e.g., preferably shaped to a perimeter of) a backrest 103,which may include an integrated head rest or cervical support 121. Backrest 103 may be ergonomically formed and/or contoured to include lumbarsupport, etc. The neck support 121 may comprise a cushioned material orpad (e.g., comprised of rubber, foam, plastic, etc.) that may be affixedto or be integrally formed with the back rest 103. The neck support 121is preferably designed to provide contact with and ergonomic support forthe user's head and neck.

Frame member 101 may include hand grips 203 positioned on either side ofhead rest 121. Hand grips 201 may be comprised, e.g., of foam or anyother soft, deformable cushioning material and/or may be integral withthe frame member 101 and/or ergonomically formed. The cushioningmaterial may comprise, e.g., rubber, foam, plastic, etc. or any othermaterial which may improve comfort and/or frictional grip.Alternatively, the hand grips 201 may be integrally formed with theframe 101 and e.g., comprise a shape contoured for maximum comfort andsecurity during gripping.

Back rest 103 may include at least one rear attachment member 201affixed on a rear surface of the back rest 103. Rear attachment members201 may comprise e.g., at least a pair of elongate rails preferablyaffixed to the rear surface of the back rest and positioned so as to runsubstantially lengthwise along the back rest 103.

The back rest 103 is preferably pivotally mounted to a seat 105, e.g.,via rear attachment members 201. For example, a pivot joint 211 may beprovided to pivotally affix each rear attachment member 201 to acorresponding seat arm 301, which is mounted onto the seat 105.Accordingly, the back rest 103 may be positioned and moved at variousangles relative to the seat 105; for example, in a substantially uprightposition as shown in FIGS. 1-5 or in a slightly forward position asshown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the back rest 103 may be reclinedrearwards. The back rest may be locked in place via a locking mechanism(e.g., detents, grooves, locking pins, etc.) once a desired position isreached and desired to be maintained.

Seat 105 may include a front seat attachment member 113, and a rear seatattachment member 213. A pair of arm attachment members 107, each havingan arm rest 123 attached thereon, is preferably affixed to either sideof the seat 105. Each arm attachment member 107 may be configured to beadjustable in height, position and orientation (e.g., forwards,backwards, flip-down, etc.) for adapting to user preferences.

A base or center post 209 is provided having a first end affixed to abottom of the seat 105. A plurality of chair supports 109 is providedpreferably extending radially from the center post 209 proximate to asecond end for providing a stable base support for the chair 100. Forexample, at least about five supports 109 may be provided for optimalweight distribution, stability and balance. Each support 109 may have aswivel wheel or caster 127 attached thereon to impart mobility to thechair 100. Further, the seat 105 may be configured to be rotatablerelative to the center post 209 and/or the supports 109 may beconfigured to be rotatable relative to the center post 209 so as toprovide full 360 degree rotational capability to the chair 100. The seat105 and/or supports 109 may be configured to be locked into a stationaryconfiguration so as to prevent rotation of the seat 105 when so desired.

At least one support 109 may include a leg support member 111 having afirst end pivotally attached to the support 109 and a second end havinga footrest 117 attached thereon. The leg support 111 may be pivoted to aretracted position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-4) when not in use andmoved to various degrees of extended positions (e.g., as shown in FIG.6) during use for providing foot support for the user. Once a desiredposition has been achieved, the leg support 111 may be locked into placeto prevent movement.

In one embodiment, frame 101 may be intermittently integrated withbackrest 103 so as to form a plurality of voids 119 along the lateralsides of the back rest 103. Further, each arm rest 123 may include atleast one arm rest void 501. Voids 119 and 501 are preferably sized andshaped so as to allow pass-through of various desired exerciseimplements, described further below.

Rear attachment members 201, arm attachment members 107, front and rearseat attachment members 113, 213, chair supports 109 and leg support 111may include a plurality of attachment points 115. Such attachment points115 may comprise, e.g., a plurality of apertures preferablysubstantially uniform in shape and size and configured for removableattachment of various exercise implements thereon. Alternatively, theattachment points 115 may comprise any combination of apertures havingvarious sizes/shapes, ring attachments, hooks, etc., for enabling secureremovable attachment of exercise implements designed for use therewith,as described herein. E.g., it is to be noted that attachment points 115may comprise any releasable attachment means or combination thereof,e.g., ring and dee closures, clasps, wings and clamps, screws,male/female connection elements, spring-loaded couplers, etc.

In yet another embodiment, e.g., as described below with respect toFIGS. 22-34, attachment points 115 may comprise one or more trackmembers distributed throughout the chair and configured to permitslidable adjustment and attachment of various exercise implementsthereon.

The attachment points 115 may be provided in any number, pattern, anddistribution configuration throughout the chair 100. In an embodimentwherein the attachment points 115 comprise apertures, while apertureshaving similar dimensions/sizes throughout are preferred, apertureshaving varying sizes, shapes, etc. may be contemplated.

An exemplary exercise implement for use with chair 100 may comprise,e.g., a resistance band 125 having a handle 205 at a first end and anattachment coupling 207 at a second end configured for removableattachment onto at least one of the attachment points 115 on chair 100.The resistance band 125 may be comprised of any elastic, resilientmaterial (e.g., ‘bungee’ cord material) with various levels ofresistance (tension) being facilitated via provision of bands 125 ofvarying diameters, materials, densities, etc.

Any number of a variety of resistance bands may be provided of varyingthicknesses and/or lengths to vary the level of resistance for the user.Such a variety of resistance bands may be enclosed in the kit form ofthe present invention. The resistance bands may be, e.g., color and/ornumber coded according to their various levels of resistance and maycomprise any flexible, elastic and resilient material, for example,rubber, rubber composites, rubberized elastic, latex, or any othersynthetic or natural elastic materials. During use of the exerciseimplement, the resistance band 125 may be extended/elongated undertension and contracted to its original state in a repetitive fashion.

According to one exemplary mode of attachment of an exercise implement125, a coupling 207 may be configured to be removably attachable to asingle attachment point 115 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-5). According toanother embodiment, an exercise implement 701 may be provided having amulti-point coupling 703 configured to be simultaneously removablyattachable to a plurality of attachment points (e.g., to two attachmentpoints 115, as shown in FIGS. 7-8).

Each coupling 207 or multiple point coupling 703 may be configured to berotatable upon attachment to an attachment point 115. The implement 125may be passed through any of the voids 119, 501, 1101 so as to varyleverage and range of motion during exercise. For example, as shown inFIGS. 9-11, exercise implement 125 may have a first end coupled to anyone of the rear attachment members 201 or arm attachment members 107,and second end passed through any of voids 119 or 501, with handle 205in position for grasping by a user seated in the chair 100. Upongrasping of the handle of implement 125, the user may proceed withvarious movements to exercise/stretch various muscle groups.

In another embodiment, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 12-15, an exerciseimplement 1301 comprised of a resistance band having a coupling point1303 at each end may be provided. Each coupling point 1303 may beattached to any feasible combination of separate attachment points 115for facilitating a variety of different exercises. E.g., each couplingpoint 1303 may be affixed to an attachment point on any of rearattachment members 201, arm attachment members 107, front and rear seatattachment members 113, 213, chair supports 109 and leg support 111, inany combination so as to provide various configurations to exercisedifferent muscle groups

Advantageously, since placement and orientation of the exerciseimplement is adjustable to various positions throughout the chair 100via the plurality of attachment points 115, multiple configurations mayaccordingly be created and working of various muscle groups may befacilitated. One or more exercise implements 125 and/or 1301 may be usedand attached simultaneously for controlling resistance levels, exercisemovements, etc.

For example, the configurations shown in FIG. 12 (in which one couplingpoint 1303 is connected to a rear attachment member 201 and a secondcoupler 1303 is affixed to a rear seat attachment member 213) and FIG.13 (in which one coupling point 1303 is connected to a rear attachmentmember 201 and a second coupler 1303 is affixed to an arm attachmentmember 107) may be used for providing resistance when the back rest 103is pressed, e.g., in a backwards direction 1201. Such configurations maybe employed, e.g., for exercising the back muscles of a seated user.

The exemplary configurations shown in FIG. 14 (in which one couplingpoint 1303 is connected to a rear attachment member 201 and a secondcoupler 1303 is affixed to a chair support 109) and FIG. 15 (in whichone coupling point 1303 is connected to an arm attachment member 201 anda second coupler 1303 is affixed to a chair support 109) may be used forproviding resistance to the chair seat 105 in a rotational direction1401. These configurations may be used for exercising the torso of aseated user by providing tension during swivel and twisting movements.

FIGS. 16-19 depict exemplary alternate embodiments of exerciseimplements 1601, 1901 according to aspects of the present invention andvarious attachment configurations of same. For example, the exerciseimplement 1601 may include a circular wrap 1603 at one end and acoupling element 1605 at a second end. The wrap 1603 may be comprised ofelastic and/or adjustable material and configured to allow a user toinsert a limb there through, thus securing, e.g., a user's ankle, thigh,wrist, etc. during exercise with the exercise implement 1601. The wrap1603 imparts resistive force on the user's limbs when the user movesfrom a neutral position during exercise movements.

FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary exercise implement comprising a stressrelief device having a compressible head 1901 and dual coupling point1903. Head 1901 may be comprised of a deformable, resilient material(e.g., foam, rubber, plastic) and/or may include a hollow air-filledchamber with a vent for permitting expulsion of air when head 1901 iscompressed. When attached, e.g., to an arm attachment member 201, thehead 1901 is positioned proximate to an arm rest 123. During use, head1901 may be squeezed by the user as desired for tension relief and toexercise the wrist and forearm muscles.

FIG. 20 depicts the leg support 111 secured in an extended position viainsertion of a locking pin 2001 through a plurality of aperturescoaxially aligned. The leg support 111 may be extended and retracted tovarious angles as desired by the user. Once a desired position isachieved, the locking pin 2001 may be inserted into respective alignedapertures 115, and the pin 2001 secured as such serves as a pivot pointaround which the leg support 111 may rotate. Once a desired angle isrotatably secured, an exercise implement 1301 may be attached forproviding resistance training for a user's legs. For example, a firstend of an exercise implement 1301 may be attached to a chair support 109and a second end may be attached to the leg support 111 as shown in FIG.20. To perform leg exercises, a user may place their feet on thefootrest 117 and push upwards or downwards in direction 2003. Theresilient tension provided by implement 1301 accordingly exercises theanterior, posterior and/or lateral muscles of the upper and lower legsand buttocks, for example, the sartorius muscle, gluteus maximus, rectusfemoris muscle, long head of biceps femoris muscle, semitendinousmuscles, gastrocnemius muscles, etc.

When leg exercises are not desired to be performed, the leg support 111may be fully retracted so as to not interfere with the operation ofchair 100 as a desk chair. FIG. 21 is an exemplary depiction of the legsupport 111 in a fully retracted position and secured with lockingdevice 2001.

A plurality of exercise devices (e.g., 125, 1301, 1601) may besimultaneously attached at various attachment points 115 to providevaried configurations for working the upper body, the lower body, and“core” muscle groups (e.g., the internal and external obliques, rectusabdominus and lower portions of the latissimus dorsi muscles) of theuser. Thus, a wide variety of muscles and/or specific muscle groups maybe worked either individually or simultaneously.

For example, an arm exercise implement 125 may be attached to armattachment member 107 to provide an upper body workout, while anexercise implement 1301 may be attached to the leg support 111 and chairsupport 109 to provide a lower body workout.

In other exercise configurations (e.g., FIG. 14), the seat 105 may becaused to swivel under tension, thus providing steady resistance fortorso exercises and twisting movements performed by the user.

FIG. 22 depicts a front perspective cross-sectional view of an alternateembodiment for providing attachment points on and coupling an exerciseimplement to the chair 100. A rail system 2201 may be provided on thechair 100, e.g., and contoured to run along the length of rearattachment members 201, arm attachment members 107, front and rear seatattachment members 113, 213, chair supports 109 and leg support 111. Inone exemplary embodiment, the rail system 2201 may comprise a “T-slot;”that is, be substantially rectangular in cross-section with a hollow2213 configured for receiving inserts 2207 of a coupling member 2205 ofan exercise implement (not shown). Each insert 2207 may include a flange2209 configured to be slidably receivable within hollow 2203. Theinserts 2207 may be comprised of resilient or spring-loaded materialthat may be compressed to fit within slot 2203. Once received therein,the inserts 2207 spring back into their original shape, thus causingflange 2209 to be slidably secured against top lip 2211. The rail system2201 may include a locking mechanism comprising a plurality of detents(not shown) at various intervals along rail 2201 to lock the couplingmember 2205 in desired locations along the rail 2201.

FIGS. 23-28 are exemplary views of an exercise chair having an alternateattachment point system and resistance device(s) attached to sameaccording to an aspect of the present invention. According to oneembodiment, at least one track member 2301 is provided affixed on thechair 2300 comprising an elongate track preferably shaped to fit alongcontours of the chair. The track member 2301 may comprise a separatepiece attached to the chair and/or be molded within the chairconstruction.

Preferably, a plurality of track members 2301 are provided throughoutthe chair 2300 to provide various attachment points thereon. Forexample, at least one track 2301 may be provided along each left andright side and rear of the back rest, along the perimeter of the seat,along the front and rear sides of each arm rest and along the tops ofeach chair leg support, e.g., as shown in FIG. 23-28.

An exercise implement 2303 comprising e.g., a resistance band having atrack coupling member 2305 at one end configured to be removablyattached to at least one track member 2301 may be provided. Theimplement 2303 may include a handle 2304 at a second end. Alternatively,an exercise implement 2701 having a track coupling member 2703 at bothends may be provided. One or more exercise implements may be attached tothe chair simultaneously in any position. For example, FIG. 28 depicts aplurality of exercise implements 2701 each having a first end coupled toa rear back rest track member 2301 and a rear edge of seat track member2301.

FIGS. 29-34 are exemplary views of an alternate attachment systemaccording to an aspect of the present invention. A track member 2901 maybe provided comprising, e.g., a U-shaped body defining a cavity 2909having a receiving slot 2911. A plurality of internal slots 2905 isdisposed on at least one interior surface of the track member 2901. Anynumber of internal slots 2905 may be provided to effectuate a range ofattachment points for exercise implements. At least one shaped lip 2907(e.g., having a protrusion) is preferably provided on the track member2901 and disposed adjacent to the receiving slot 2911.

A coupling member 2903 may be provided configured for removable andslidable attachment to the track member 2901. For example, in oneembodiment, coupling member 2903 may comprise a U-shaped body 3002having a spring-loaded member pivotally connected thereon. Spring-loadedmember may comprise an upper plate 3007 connected to at least two sideinserts 3003, and a lower plate 3201 connected to a center insert 3001.Each of the side inserts 3003 and center insert 3001 preferably includesat least one protrusion 3004 having a width 3013 sized and shaped to fitwithin the internal slots 2905. In addition, each of the side inserts3003 and center insert 3001 preferably includes at least one protrudingmember 3301. At least one upper brace 3005 is provided affixed to thecenter insert 3001 and at least one lower brace 3401 is provided eachaffixed to each side insert 3003. The upper and lower braces 3005 areconfigured to stabilize the coupling member 2903 against an externalwall of the track member during coupling (e.g., as shown in FIGS.31-34).

The upper plate 3007 and lower plate 3201 are connected via tension coil3009. Compression and expansion of the coil 3009 causes the plates 3007,3201 and inserts 3003, 3001 to operate in a lever action, turning aboutfixed point 3011. For example, the upper plate 3007 and lower plate 3201may be pressed together to compress the coil 3009, causing the centerinsert 3001 and side inserts 3003 to move towards each other intoalignment, such that the center insert 3001 and side inserts aresubstantially aligned in side profile. This enables the center insert3001 and side inserts 3003 to be inserted into/removed from the cavity2909 of the track member 2901 via slot 2911 of the track member 2901.

Once inserted into the cavity 2909 of track member 2901, the springloaded member may be freely slid within the track cavity 2909 so long asthe upper and lower plates 3007, 3201 remain in the depressed position.When a desired location for securing of the exercise implement 2704 isreached, the upper and lower plates 3007, 3201 may be released, thuscausing the center insert 3001 and side inserts 3003 to spring apart viaexpansion of the tension coil 3009, thereby inserting the protrusions3004 into respective internal slots 2905 within the track member 2901.Further, protruding members 3301 are caused to be securely receivedwithin the shaped lip(s) 2907 of the track member 2901, and brace member3005 are caused to be contacted on the exterior surface of the trackmember 2901. Accordingly, the coupling member 2903 is securely affixedwithin the desired location of track member 2901, being prevented fromslidable movement within the track member 2901, and also being preventedfrom accidental dislodgement from same.

As shown e.g., in FIG. 34, the body 3002 of the coupling may at least bepivotally connected to the center and side inserts 3001, 3003, thusallowing the exercise implement to be pivoted to various angles withrespect to the point of attachment with the track member 2901.

An exercise chair system according to the present invention may beprovided in the form of a kit, comprising a chair 100 and anycombination, type and number of exercise implements configured to beremovably attachable to the chair 100. Further, it is noted that thechair 100 itself may be provided preassembled or in kit form.

For each exercise implement, at least one resistance band may beprovided. However, in an alternate embodiment, each exercise implementmay be configured to have interchangeable resistance bands, and aplurality of resistance bands having various tension levels may beprovided. Such removable attachment advantageously facilitates e.g.,changing of resistance bands to different levels of resistance/length.

Preferably, at least rear attachment members 201, arm attachment members107, front and rear seat attachment members 113, 213, chair supports 109and leg support 111 are comprised of a lightweight but substantiallyrigid, rust-proof material, e.g., aluminum, which may be treated (e.g.,anodized) for additional wear-resistance.

Advantageously, an exercise chair system according to the presentinvention boasts dual functionality as a comprehensive exerciseapparatus while maintaining practical and ergonomic functions as a deskchair that may be used in an office or work environment. Practicingresistance exercises provided according to one aspect of the presentinvention strengthens and lengthens the muscle action, providingincreased stability and power, while enhancing muscle integrity.Resistance is invoked via the elastic resistance bands, and inparticular, the varied exercise configurations and customized leveragedesignations facilitated by the present invention assists in isolatingand strengthening desired muscles/muscle groups of the user. Overall,the present invention provides exercise and stress-relief benefits,improves flexibility and maximizes convenience and portability.

Although the embodiment which incorporates the teachings of the presentinvention has been shown and described in detail herein, those skilledin the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that stillincorporate these teachings. Having described preferred embodiments foran exercise chair system (which are intended to be illustrative and notlimiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made bypersons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It istherefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particularembodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope andspirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thusdescribed the invention with the details and particularity required bythe patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patentis set forth in the appended claims.

1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a mobile desk chair including atleast one attachment point configured to permit slidable attachment andadjustment of an exercise implement.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein each attachment point comprises a track member affixed to thechair.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each attachment pointcomprises a track member molded into the chair.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the track member is shaped to fit along contours of thechair.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chair includes: a seatincluding at least two arm attachment members; a back rest pivotallyattached to the seat; and a base connected to the seat comprising acenter post and a plurality of chair supports, wherein at least one ofthe back rest, seat, arm attachment members and chair supports includesthe at least one attachment point configured to receive an exerciseimplement.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each attachment pointcomprises a track member comprising a body defining a cavity having areceiving slot.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising aplurality of internal slots disposed on at least one interior surface ofthe body of the track member.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein thebody of the track member includes at least one shaped lip adjacent tothe receiving slot.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at leastone attachment point includes a locking mechanism to enable the exerciseimplement to be locked thereon in desired locations along the attachmentpoint.
 10. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanismcomprises a plurality of detents and slots.
 11. The apparatus of claim5, wherein each arm attachment member further includes at least one armrest void.
 12. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a legsupport member pivotally attached to at least one chair support.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 2, further comprising an exercise implement removablyattached to at least one track member, the exercise implement includinga coupling member configured to be slidably received within the trackmember.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the coupling membercomprises a body having a spring-loaded member pivotally attachedtherein.
 15. A mobile exercise desk chair comprising: a back restpivotally attached to a seat; and a base connected to the seat includinga plurality of chair supports, wherein at least one of the back rest andat least one of the chair supports includes at least one attachmentpoint configured to permit slidable adjustable and attachment ofexercise implements.
 16. The exercise chair of claim 15, wherein eachattachment point comprises a track member affixed to the chair.
 17. Theexercise chair of claim 16, wherein the track member is shaped to fitalong contours of the chair.
 18. The exercise chair of claim 15, whereineach attachment point comprises a track member comprising a bodydefining a cavity having a receiving slot.
 19. The exercise chair ofclaim 18, further comprising a locking mechanism to enable the exerciseimplements to be locked thereon in desired locations along the trackmember.
 20. The exercise chair of claim 19, wherein the lockingmechanism comprises at least one of a plurality of internal detents andslots disposed on at least one interior surface of the body of the trackmember.